A trip to Camden Market, London
A vivacious labyrinth of vintage, vinyl and damn right stylish
Having worked in London for several years and visited as a tourist on so many occasions that I’ve now lost count. I can’t believe that I’ve only headed to Camden Market twice.
One entrance to Camden Market
Perhaps it’s that Camden portrays the hip, cool and trendy vibe, and I’m not too sure if I ever mastered that, or now, ever will.
Quick Links
Discovering Camden Market
However, we thought sod it, let’s go, surely no-one would mock my rara skirt and leg warmers (only joking).
A little bit of history
Camden Lock Market first threw open its warehouse doors on 30th March 1974. The market started from a converted run-down timber yard, by the banks of Regent’s Canal.
Horse Tunnel Market
Initially trading with 16 stalls, today the market is a flourishing hive of eclectic activity. Camden Market is open 364 days a year and sees an incredible 28 million visitors annually. This is such a credit to the continually evolving market.
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There’s always smiles in Camden
A grey London day didn’t dampen our spirits. As we strolled nearer to the infamous “Camden Lock’ railway bridge, you could feel the vibe of the area, it was friendly, relaxed and welcoming.
Camden Lock Railway Bridge
People from all age groups and different walks of life ambling around, just soaking up the atmosphere and going with the flow. As the markets seamlessly wind their way from one to another.
Camden Lock Place and railway bridge
Some of the stalls here are fascinating, there is so much imagination and creativity put into producing these unique gifts.
Camden Vintage
Every so often, I would get distracted by something a little quirky and just wander off amongst the maze of passages. It was so immersive; you keep heading deeper and deeper inside.
Everything you need to know
For more information on Camden Market and its events check out the local Camden Market website.
Something for everyone
Majority of the stalls and boutiques are undercover, so there’s no fear of fending off the good old English weather. As you stroll further through the themed lanes, you get a true sense of a community amongst the locals.
Colourful mosaic brass lanterns
Jewellery in Egyptomania
The faint smell of joss sticks floated through the air as we passed enchanting mosaic lanterns teetering above our heads. Fluttering handmade candles and crafted gothic gifts.
There was even an Egyptomania area if pharaohs are your thing.
Which way next?
Have you seen?
If you enjoy finding out a little more about London districts, take a look at the articles we created for Spitalfields, Smithfield, Clerkenwell, St James’s and Greenwich.
All under one roof
I loved it around by the Horse Tunnel Market. Full of vintage clothes, new clothes, antiques, street art, crazy hats, and even a wall of pre-loved gentlemen’s leather shoes all weaved in together.
You can never have too many hats
One legend to another
I just couldn’t get enough of the whole character of the market. You wander seamlessly from one cubicle to the next, hand-painted street art t-shirts, comic strip prints. Then artisan jewellery standing shoulder to shoulder amongst old LP’s and vintage cameras.
Prints and posters in Horse Tunnel Market
What’s not to love about Camden Market?
A market like no other
To slightly mask the fact that part of Camden Market is set within old brick railway arches, a couple of the lanes were adorned in the skies with vibrant umbrellas and curved draped canvas sails.
Vibrant umbrellas through Camden Market
Double denim anyone?
To be perfectly honest, I think to be within earshot of the trains bumping and jolting on tracks overhead, brings a unique earthy feel to your burlesque shopping experience, don’t you think?
A helpful guide
If you've yet to discover London and its ancient history, then let's start planning. I find these DK Eyewitness Travel Guides invaluable. They're extremely informative, easy to follow, and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more of those fascinating sites.
You can now grab a recently revised copy of this guidebook, so you won't miss a thing.
Italian Alley
What Gary and I didn’t expect while strolling through Camden Market was to hear the dulcet tones of Dean Martin.
Italian Alley in Camden Market
Savoury Italian snacks
Ahh yes, as we sauntered into Italian Alley, we were greeted by the incredible aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. Followed by the sweet scent of Italian snacks, although the only item of cuisine I was eyeing up, was the gelato.
An ice-cream from Gelati Pepino 1884
I didn’t care that it was January, ice-cream time is anytime.
Around North Yard and Stables Yard
Camden Market has grown so much over the years, there are nooks and crannies everywhere. Strolling out into open air of the North Yard, the shops are slightly larger; however, no less quirky.
Shops in the North Yard at Camden Market
Along here are even more food stalls, there is such an incredible selection of freshly prepared dishes, you are truly spoilt for choice. For those of you with a sweet tooth, you’ll surely get a sugar rush at Hans & Gretel.
Hans & Gretel
A trip to Camden Market wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic statue of Amy Winehouse. Ohh, and of course, Cyberdog, who could forget that?
Amy Winehouse statue in Camden Market
Cyberdog in Camden Market
It’s good to talk!
Please share with us the markets you’ve enjoyed in London and drop us a comment below. We always love to visit more.
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Comments
I’ve always loved Camden Market but it looks like there’s been a few changes since my last visit #farawayfiles
It had been years since I’d last visited Camden Market, so I was pretty surprised too. It now seems so much bigger and great that a lot of it is undercover.
This guide would have been very useful when we went! We mostly bumbled around, snacking on different kinds of foods and admiring the variety of people here! #FarawayFiles
Ahh thanks, there’s certainly nothing in bumbling around, it’s quite often the best way to see a market. It certainly does have an eclectic mix of visitors.
Great photos! Camden is a firm family favourite with my kids, especially the neon subterranean rave shop, flanked by enormous silver robot men. I am a fan of the outdoor flower festooned bar area.
Thank you. Camden is a great place for all ages, there always seems to be so much going on. I must admit I wish we would have stayed longer.
It’s been fun to look at your pictures. I grew up in North London in the (ahem 80s and 90s!!) and spent my teenage years buying dyed Levi 501s, DMs and rings from Camden Market. It’s changed so much, but pleased to see from your pics that some of the random, quirky stalls still exist. #FarawayFiles
It was probably in the 90s that I was last there, so I was a bit surprised with the changes too. Some of the quirky stalls were great, a true essence of what Camden Market is about.
The DM’s comment made me smile.
I haven’t taken my children to Camden Market yet – I think they are just the right age now to enjoy this, I remember going there as a kid myself and taking my nieces when they were teens. I’m glad its retained its eclectic and eccentric mix! One to do next time we are in London. Love your Quick Links at the start as well, v handy. #FarawayFiles
Camden has such a friendly vibe and there’s so much going on, your children will certainly be kept entertained. Have fun when you do go, and thanks for the comment regarding the Quick Links, it’s great to have feedback.
Well, you’ve certainly inspired me! ! can’t remember the last time I visited Camden Market and will certainly be going back based on this post. Looks so bustling, creative, delicious and fun. #farawayfiles
Oh thanks, it has definitely seen some changes over the years, some may say good and bad. However, I think it’s a great place to visit and it had a really friendly atmosphere about it. Enjoy your visit.
There’s a little jewellery stall in Camden that I absolutely love – it’s enough reason alone to visit this little neighbourhood of London 😉 #Farawayflies
Oh that sounds like a fantastic excuse to return. There are some great stalls, I particularly like the ones that had spray painted t-shirts.
I haven’t been to Camden Market for quite a few years – but my boys go from time to time. Looks like there have been a few changes but perhaps it hasn’t completely lost that old anarchic vibe!
There have certainly been a few changes; however, I still felt that some there was a lot of character there, particularly around the Horse Tunnel Market.
I haven’t been to Camden Market in absolutely ages. I used to go quite regularly to pick up fun bits of clothing and records. I think the kids would love a visit. Definitely adding to my London list for this year. Thanks for inspiring us on #FarawayFiles
I was pleased to see the record stalls, always fun flicking through the nostalgia LP’s.
I think your kids would enjoy it too, there is so much to keep them occupied.